Madeira, Portugal
March 21-28, 2026
Move your body, rest your brain.
AN ACTIVE ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER
Just imagine it: 8 active days and 7 restful nights on a lush island paradise off the coast of Portugal. Welcome to Madeira—often called the “Hawaii of Europe”—and once you arrive, you’ll understand exactly why.
This isn’t your standard sit-by-the-pool-all-week kind of vacation (unless that’s what you’re craving—totally your call). Picture coastal cliffside hikes, enchanting forest levada trails, soul-satisfying meals, and a group of adventurous, like-minded humans who'd rather explore than escape. I’ve taken care of all the planning—so you can simply show up, unplug, and move at your own pace.
Your week in Madeira will be filled with:
🌿 Daily hikes through breathtaking landscapes
💦 Hidden waterfalls and dramatic viewpoints
🧘♀️ Gentle evening yoga/stretch sessions to wind down
🍴 Fresh, local meals that nourish and delight
🐋 An optional whale watching excursion
💫 And plenty of time to rest, reflect, or just be
Adventure when you want it, rest when you need it. This is your vacation—your way.
I’m partnering with Finisterra Travel for this trip. Finisterra is a BC-based, women owned boutique travel agency. They are committed to using their collective expertise to curate unique, joyful, relevant and ethical experiences for curious-minded travellers, to contribute to long-term tourism sustainability. Finisterra is comprised of international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences and extraordinary adventures.
You’ll stay in two hand-picked, beautiful 4-star hotels—our home bases for exploring the wild beauty of Madeira. This setup lets us dive into different regions and hikes across the island, without the hassle of packing up every night. Settle in, unpack once (or twice), and soak up the charm of the small towns we’ll call home.
Accommodations are shared—either with a partner or a fellow guest of the same gender (we’ll match you up). Want your own space? A limited number of single rooms are available for a small upgrade. If that’s your vibe, book early!
This isn’t your average vacation—it’s part adventure, part recharge, and all about connection.
If coastal views, good company, and unforgettable days sound like your kind of getaway, I’d love for you to come along.
Click here to read the full itinerary and see what hikes & activities we’ll be doing daily
At the Retreat you will:
✨ Step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with yourself.
🌿 Soak up the mental and emotional boost that only time in nature can give.
🤝 Build genuine connections with a small group of like-minded adventurers.
🏞️ Discover the raw beauty of Madeira—one of Portugal’s most breathtaking islands.
🍽️ Savor fresh, locally sourced meals that nourish and delight.
💫 Head home feeling refreshed, recharged, and more grounded than ever.
Your Retreat Host
Meet Marisa Mae
Hi! I’m Marisa—and I’d absolutely love to spend a week hiking through Madeira with you. Think: hidden waterfalls, jaw-dropping cliffsides, lush levada trails, and UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites. Oh, and fingers crossed for a whale breaching right in front of our boat during the whale watching tour—just putting that out into the universe! 🐋✨
Portugal is one of my all-time favorite destinations, and Madeira has been calling my name for years. Its mix of wild beauty, coastal charm, and incredible food is everything I love in a travel experience.
If your idea of a vacation doesn’t involve lounging poolside for seven days straight with bottomless sugary drinks—this might be your kind of trip. I’m all about blending adventure with relaxation, movement with stillness. And yes, I’m absolutely obsessed with fresh, local food—so you can bet we’ll be eating very well.
I’ve carefully curated this experience to showcase the best of this magical island, and I’d love nothing more than to share it with a small group of fellow adventurers.
Not sure if this is the right fit for you fitness-wise? Don’t stress—just shoot me an email at info@marisajmae.com and let’s chat. The hikes I’ve chosen are accessible for most people with a basic level of fitness, and remember—everything is optional. Want to skip a hike and spend the day reading on the beach or indulging in a spa day? Go for it.
This is your trip, your pace.
This incredible experience in Madeira, Portugal includes
7 nights accommodation at 4 star hotels in Madeira, Portugal.
Breakfasts and Dinner are included each day. Lunches are at your own expenses, as are any alcoholic beverages.
Transfer from Funchal airport to first night accommodation.
All transfers to and from hike starting & ending points.
Local experienced guide leading the daily hikes.
Morning whale watching experience
Daily yoga stretch sessions with a certified personal trainer & yoga instructor, to ensure your legs are ready to go for the next days hike!
Full Itinerary is available to view here
Not included in the tour price:
International airfare into Funchal, Portugal.
Travel medical insurance (mandatory), travel cancellation & interruption insurance (optional but strongly encouraged).
Alcohol & personal snacks
1.5% credit card processing fee
Tips for guides & drivers
All passport and visa fees
**Please note a minimum of 6 participants is required for the trip to run. Do not buy your flight until the trip has been confirmed a go - Finisterra will keep you up to date on this info.
Pricing
**Reserve your room with a 25% deposit
2550 Euros per person (either shared room with two twin beds, or two people sharing one king bed).
*Single supplement 400 Euros
Ready to book? Check out this page and contact Finisterra directly to reserve your spot!
Early Bird Discount! Book before June 30th and receive a discount of 125 EUR per person or 300 EUR (total) if booked as a pair.
*The discount will be applied towards the final payment
2024 Huatulco Health Retreat Guest
“The people, the villa and of course the incredible food make it one of my favourite trips I’ve ever had. I’m really happy we joined.”
2024 Huatulco Health Retreat Guest
“Absolutely amazing! Marisa is a great host. Everything was organized perfectly, and there was so much variety for activities. A perfect balance of sightseeing, movement, relaxation, and such delicious food. I would definitely partake in another Retreat again.”
2024 Huatulco Health Retreat Guest
“The Retreat was beyond anything I could have imagined. Not only the amazing villa, food, activities, but a glimpse into Mexican life and how warm and welcoming the culture is. Your organizational skills, adaptability and catering to everyone’s needs has been extraordinary.”
Photos from past Retreats
